Local map

Places of interest in the vicinity

The Biwako-sosui canal, history and photos
and a photo of Tetsugaku-no-michi path

The Japanese capital being transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, the
industry and the population in Kyoto declined rapidly. The third governor
of Kyoto prefecture, Kitagaki Kunimichi, decided to excavate a canal to promote the development of industry
by connecting Biwako Lake and Kamogawa River to provide water transport
as well as waterpower, irrigation, and fire prevention. He appointed young
Tanabe Sakutaro the chief engineer, who was 23 years old when the construction
started.

They started the construction from the 1st tunnel (2,436 m) where the greatest
difficulty was expected. The tunnel was excavated from both ends and a
couple of shafts were used in between, for the first time of Japanese excavation
history.

They also built an incline, which was the very first of its kind built
in Japan. The incline was used to move boats up and down between different
levels of water. Ohtoh-unga canal connects between the lower end of the
incline and the Kamogawa River.

They studied a hydroelectric power plant in Aspen, Colorado, and constructed
the first power plant of Japan in Keage in 1891, using the water of the
canal. The incline used the electric power supplied from this plant. The
electric power demonstrated its ability to promote the development of industry
and became a driving force for the growth of Kyoto.

The canal construction began in June 1885. Part of the canal, from Otsu
to Kamogawa-Ochiai, was completed though they encountered many difficulties.
The construction of the remaining part was started in November 1892 and
was complete in September 1894.

In those days, large-scale constructions used to be entrusted to foreign
engineers, but the Biwako-sosui canal was constructed by Japanese engineers
only for the first time. As the modern inheritance which shows the construction
technology level of Japan in the Meiji era, the canal was designated as
a National Historical Site together with 11 other sites in June 1996.

The water of the canal is being used for generation of electricity, fire-fighting,
as well as water service for houses and industry. It is still playing an
important role to support everyday life of people of Kyoto.

(This information is based on a guide board posted beside the canal)

Suirokaku, an aqueduct, in the precinct of Nanzen-ji temple.April 25, 2004

Suirokaku, an aqueduct, in the precinct of Nanzen-ji temple.April 25, 2004

Water pump house. This was completed in 1912 to provide Kyoto Gosho with
water.November 26, 2005

The canal water flowing toward Suirokaku.November 26, 2005

Display of a wooden boat loaded on a incline truck.November 26, 2005

Two pairs of rails of the incline.November 26, 2005

People walk on the remains of the incline that is canopied by Cherry blossoms.April 7, 2001

The lowest end of the incline.April 7, 2001

Ohtoh-unga canal that connects between the lower end of the incline and
the Kamogawa River.April 7, 2001

A trio playing music on Tetsugaku-no-michi road along the canal.April 7, 2001

The canal and Cherry blossoms.April 7, 2001

Fallen petals of cherry blossoms mass on dam of the canal. April 7, 2001